FILIPINA Clariss Guce, who made only three cuts on the LPGA women’s tour this year, put it all together over the weekend to win the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic for her first Symetra Tour title in Rochester, New York.
Guce finished at 11-under 277 at Brook Lea Country Club to pocket the top prize of $30,000 to race to 12th on the money list from 84th, where the Top 10 will earn LPGA Tour cards.
Guce, the 26-year-old former Cal State Northridge player ended with a flourish as she birdied the par-4, 14th and 15th holes, and finished with a sizzling birdie on the 18th.
“It’s an amazing feeling especially since I’ve been struggling quite a bit during the season. Being able to make a cut a couple of weeks ago and then to win here, I can’t even describe how fast this is happening,” Guce said.
Guce was introduced to golf by her grandfather, while her model and inspiration is Tiger Woods.
Guce prefers narrow courses, claiming they “force me to be more strategic with my shots.”
Outside of golf, Guce said she likes playing basketball and prefers “explosive workouts.”
Born in the Philippines, Guce speaks Filipino fluently and loves horse racing since her dad is a jockey. Surprisingly, she doesn’t eat vegetables while her favorite home-cooked meal is Caldereta.